There have been big changes behind the scenes at Vauxhall Mallards after a number of key officials decided to stand down.

The Halvergate-based club found themselves looking for a new chairman, vice-chairman and secretary after Roger Finney, Matthew Seager and Paul Mutimer all opted to take a step back at the recent annual meeting.

But the key vacancies have all been filled, with former captain Paul Bradshaw taking over as chairman, and the focus now is on preparing for the new season, which gets under way in the East Anglian Premier League in the middle of April.

After leading the club through a period of great success Finney stepped down as chairman as work commitments have limited his active involvement recently. He will become president of the club.

At the same time Wayne Biss, Seager and Mutimer indicated their desire to take a step back from the running of the club, although all three will still be involved.

'The club would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank these four individuals for the immense amount they have done for Vauxhall Mallards Cricket Club over a long period of time,' said a club statement.

'The absence of such highly influential people saw VMCC needing new leadership and direction. The club are pleased to announce that the new structure involves ex-Norfolk captain Paul Bradshaw taking the position of chairman with ex-Norfolk, Kent and Derbyshire professional Steve Goldsmith as vice-chairman.'

There was also a need for new captains in the first and second team and these vacancies have been filled from within by Ben France, the current Norfolk all-rounder who has first class experience with Derbyshire, and ex-Norfolk and ECB X1 opening batsman Carl Amos.

Caroline Nunn is the new secretary and is aiming to further strengthen the links with the junior section as the club looks to increase the number of opportunities available to players of all abilities provided on Saturdays, Sundays and midweek at the QEII Playing Fields in Halvergate.

Senior sides will be competing in the East Anglian Premier League, Norfolk Alliance Division One and Norfolk League Division Three East. Nets begin at Taverham Hall on Monday, February 12 between 8 and 10pm.